Pedro
Pedro
March 8, 1999 - May 23, 2001
Memorial Service by Micheal Desplaines
on July 22, 2001
The Rite of Passing is about to begin. May all here be here in love and joy for the passing of our friend Pedro who has commenced the journey beyond.
Long has man searched for the meaning of life, ever seeking the understanding of Death. Those of Old knew the Mystery and for aeons has it been lost. Now once again we are privileged to share the knowledge, that the passing from this world is naught but a beginning in the Next. So it is that we gather at this time to say farewell to our beloved Pedro and to wish him well as he beings the greater journey. The Mystery schools of old taught that the space between was merely a respite, an opportunity to take stock and to prepare for the turn of the Wheel which would see the soul re-born in a new body, ready once more to tread this world and to further the journey to the Light.
Hear ye the words of the Great Mother!
“I am She, Mother of all creation. I am that boundless, bitter Sea, whence life wells eternally. But too am I the Weaver, ever adjusting the Web of Fate. With abandon does it seem that I wield my shears, cutting the threads of those much loved by their kith and kin. I say to you, it is not with abandon but with Love that I bring all to my breast, that they may be born anew - young, vibrant and full of Life once more to tread this world and to delight in its mystery. I am all things to all men and I greet them at their demise, my heart full of Love.”
Now is the hour of our parting and though we take our grief at your passing with us, so too do we go in the knowledge that you will return. Too short our time together, yet if the Gods will it, we shall have opportunity anew in the lives to come.
So it is that we say unto you, fly high, and fly free, dear Pedro. Go with our love, and return to us when rested. Never far from our thoughts, and always in our hearts, hail and farewell!
There are three great events in the life of the Living: love, death, and resurrection to a new life. Of these, love is the most important. For by love and in fulfillment of it, we may again be joined with our families and friends, remembering and loving them again. Death cannot take away love or our loved ones.
Without love, there is no birth, without birth no death, without death no rebirth. This is the miracle of love.
Jane and Chris, all here feel your sorrow and with you honor Pedro.
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush.
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.
For a while we have lost one who is dear to us, but it is only for a time and we should not be sorrowful. There is a reason to be here and a reason to go when we have fulfilled the tasks of a life’s work. Dying is only a way of forgetting, of resting, of returning to the eternal source to be renewed and made strong.
by Doreen Valiente
To think that you are gone, over the crest of the hills,
As the moon passed from her fullness, riding the sky,
And the White Mare took you with her.
To think that we will wait another life
To drink wine from the horns and leap the fire.
Farewell from this world, but not from the Circle.
That place that is between the worlds
Shall hold return in due time. Nothing is lost.
The half of a fruit from the tree of Avalon
Shall be our reminder, among the fallen leaves
This life treads underfoot. Let the rain weep,
Waken in sunlight from the Realms of Sleep.
Pedro, we wish you all love and happiness. Do not forget us; we will not forget you. We find our peace and hope in the sure and certain knowledge that we shall meet again and at that time we will celebrate in perfect love.
Blessed be.